The Launchpad Prize was an idea that began as a desire to help young musicians in some significant way. With our limited financial resources, it was difficult to come up with something that would make enough of a difference to make it worthwhile. The idea of sponsoring a prize at one of the UK music colleges was something we just couldn’t afford, and we also felt that we’d like to be able to offer something to more than just one college and be a little more ‘hands on’. We eventually decided that we would assist one young (predominantly) final year wind ensemble from each of the major UK music colleges to launch themselves onto the professional circuit.

The Launchpad Prize consists of practical help including:

a substantial JEWM music voucher; dedicated space on the JEWM website, with the opportunity to use it as a powerful marketing tool;

publicity in the printed JEWM catalogues;

editorial coverage wherever possible;

free advertising flyers in JEWM music orders in order to publicise themselves;

exclusive access to the JEWM shop with use of all music and facilities;

complimentary copies of any Emerson Edition titles which fit their instrumental line-up;

anything else we can think of.

We’d like to wish the 2009 winners all the very best for a successful future. Please support them by going to hear their performances - they’re all incredibly talented ensembles and you won’t be disappointed! They are:

June Emerson Wind Music is probably the world’s leading supplier of sheet music for wind instruments. With over 55,000 titles, most of them in stock and ready to send worldwide, we offer an unrivalled friendly, helpful and efficient service. Free catalogues available on request. Not listed? We’ll find it for you.